Fun for the whole family! A historic working shipyard with museum exhibits, interactives, scenic views, an eclectic gift shop and more. The birthplace of the American Fishing Schooner, full of artifacts and stories from the oldest workboats to the golden age of sail, all the way to modern day! A little something for everyone.
Open to the public thursday-Sunday, May through October.
EXHIBITS TOURS RESUME MAY 2025!
Our Gift Shop is open by appointment through the Holidays, stocked with unique gifts for the mariner, handy-person, and inventors in your life. A little something for everyone.
Year round programs and events.
DURING THE OFF SEASON, THE MUSEUM MAY BE CLOSED FOR PUBLIC TOURS BUT THE SITE IS STILL OCCUPIED BY EDUCATION PROGRAMS, VOLUNTEER GROUPS AND OTHER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS.
Visit the “Happening” tab on our website for our Fall & Winter Programming:events, classes, speaker engagements, workshops and other upcoming events.
DURING “OFF SEASON” HOURS, PLEASE CONTACT US BELOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SCHEDULING A GROUP TOUR IN OUR 2025 SEASON
Subscribe to our Newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with our Special Events and Programs schedule
Museum Hours:
EXHIBIT TOURS RESUME MAY 2025!
Visit the “Happening” tab on our website for our Fall & Winter Programming: events, classes, speaker engagements, workshops and other upcoming events.
Subscribe to our Newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out about our “off season” Special events and Programs
Address & Phone
(978) 768-7541
Email: office@essexshipbuilding.org
Address: 66 Main St, Essex, MA 01929
2024 Admission Rates
Members: FREE
Individual: $15
Student, Senior, Veteran: $10
Kids under 5yrs: Free
At the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum (EHSSM), we uphold the belief that access to culture plays a vital role in public health, committing ourselves to make our cultural programming accessible to all members of our community, as we recognize that financial barriers should never impede participation. That's why we're thrilled to be part of the Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program, a collaborative effort with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, alongside hundreds of cultural organizations.
We proudly offer free general admission to EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders, ensuring that all community members have the opportunity to explore and engage with our rich maritime heritage and educational offerings.
Private Tours
Private tours can be scheduled for $20 per person.
Minimum of 10 visitors.
We can tailor the tour to your group’s needs, the average tour is about 1 - 1.5 hours in length. For more information and to plan a group tour please contact us at office@essexshipbuilding.org or fill out the form below with “TOUR” in the subject line.
Call: 978-768-7541